Once the two of them were back at the Black Tower, Van Dijk wasted no time in addressing Ludwig's issues. The dim light of the tower's interior cast long shadows across the room, the air thick with the scent of old parchment and the faint tang of magic. Van Dijk sat at his desk, his sharp eyes fixed on Ludwig, who stood before him like a student awaiting judgment.
"You're greedy," Van Dijk said, his voice calm but firm. The words hung in the air, heavy and unyielding.
Ludwig tilted his head down, his skeletal frame slumping slightly like a child being reprimanded. He didn't argue or defend himself; he simply waited for his master to continue.
"I'm not saying that's a bad thing," Van Dijk added, his tone softening ever so slightly. "But you're trying to do too much. You're trying to actively use both magic and swordsmanship, which is something I'm still against—but not willing to stop you from pursuing. It's your own path, after all."